NY to set energy storage target, boost EV sector

December 4 (Renewables Now) - A bill calling for a 2030 energy storage target in New York state has been signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo last week.

The original text from March 2017 sets January 1, 2018 as the deadline for a determination of the target by the Public Service Commission (PUC), but that may be extended. The latter has to also propose programmes that will help meet the goal.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) will administer the creation of the energy storage deployment programme.

Governor Cuomo on Thursday separately announced a call for proposal for research projects related to the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on job growth, technical advances, and the overall economy. Up to USD 3.5 million (EUR 3m) will be available for such projects. Innovative business models and technologies to facilitate the relationship between EVS and the grid are of especial interest.

NYSERDA will administer the solicitation for EV research projects. The official statement mentions several areas on which proposals could focus, including how the impact of EV charging on the grid could be reduced, how vehicles could provide backup power in buildings, and how to remotely manage EV charging at peak times.

Energy storage and electromobility, alongside the increased use of renewable energy, support New York’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 40% by 2030.